December 27, 2018

Happy New Year! As we begin 2019, you may be looking to hit the refresh button to start the year off with renewed focus on certain goals. And we all know that one of the most popular resolutions is to eat healthier and exercise more.

At CVI, we also know that obesity rates are oftentimes higher among people with visual impairments due to the barriers and misconceptions about their abilities. More than half of the people who are blind and visually impaired in the United States do not participate in even a limited physical fitness routine, but research has shown when those individuals become active with the goal of improving their health, they have higher energy levels, a lower risk of health-related diseases, improved psychological health, and lower rates of depression and anxiety.

This is why CVI is participating in the Anthem/USABA National Fitness Challenge. It's our way of encouraging clients to be more active. One of our local partners in the Fitness Challenge, Amerigroup, has shared some great tips with us on healthy eating and how to be more active that everyone can use.

Protein – helps with the formation of red blood cells and builds muscle

The amount you need may be different based on your age, sex and physical activity level.

Tips for Getting Active

Leading an active lifestyle can help strengthen your heart, increase flexibility and lower cholesterol. It can also help prevent chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure and even some types of cancer. You can make small changes, which can often make it easier to stick with it, and planning ahead makes it easier to include more activity in your day.

Walk during your lunch break

Play a sport with family or friends

Find an exercise buddy to help make it more fun

Do some stretching or sit-ups on the floor while enjoying your TV shows